Championship - Smith links up with Middlesbrough

Eurosport - Fri, 10 Jul 12:48:00 2009

Former Crystal Palace boss Alan Smith has taken up a consultancy role with Middlesbrough.

FOOTBALL Alan Smith Crystal Palace - 0

Smith will assist his former Palace skipper Gareth Southgate behind the scenes following Malcolm Crosby's departure from the Riverside Stadium.

Southgate said: "This is a key appointment made by the chairman [Steve Gibson] and I after detailed discussions.

"We believe Alan brings with him many qualities that we have not previously possessed.

"It's very much a behind-the-scenes role and won't involve Alan being on the training pitch or in the dressing room, but I'm delighted to have him on board to help us push for promotion."

Smith guided Palace to promotion to the top flight in 1994, ironically clinching the title with a 3-2 win over Boro at Ayresome Park.

PA Sport

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  1. That doesnt bode well for boro, he was the most­ arrogant egotistical manager we had in the last 25­ years of watching palace, nothing was ever his fault,­ it was great man management always blaming the players,­ one time calling them all idoiots for not doing what he­ said, what a numpty!

    From brownemark96, on Tue 14 Jul 8:11AM

  2. We are where we are, and have to face reality. I­ suspect two more years of "Stevey Mac" and­ the club would have been bankrupt. It's a new­ beginning and the proof of whether Steve Gibson's­ faith in Gareth Southgate and the appointment of Alan­ Smith will be seen after the next two seasons.­ Let's look fortward to an exciting season...

    From Paul P, on Sat 11 Jul 11:47AM

  3. Has beens and players nobody else wants, is this the­ same club that was in a European Final not so long­ back? The comparisons of them and now are immense. Come­ back Stevey Mac all is forgiven.

    From The Earl of Grangetown, on Fri 10 Jul 8:52PM

  4. That's Boro struggling this season. Smith is dated­ and this is Southgate desperate to rekindle old­ memories when Smith was his coach at Palace!

    From Allen H, on Fri 10 Jul 8:38PM
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